Your dark hair is like a blank canvas, and autumn is the season to paint it with warm, cozy shades. If you’re a brunette, chances are you’re already thinking about how to refresh your look for the cooler months. This curated list of 22 Fall Hair Color Ideas for Brunettes will give you plenty of inspiration.
1. Caramel Balayage
A 28-year-old woman with a caramel balayage wavy bob, back view.
Caramel balayage is the ultimate choice for a soft yet noticeable change.
Picture golden sunlight slipping through autumn leaves—that’s what this shade does for your hair. Instead of harsh, stripe-like highlights, it creates smooth, buttery ribbons of warmth.
It adds beautiful depth and dimension to your brunette base without screaming, “I just dyed my hair!” Ideal for anyone testing out color without diving headfirst.
The best part? It grows out gracefully, meaning fewer salon appointments and more time to sip pumpkin spice lattes.
2. Mahogany Glow
A 25-year-old woman with mahogany glow layered hair, back view.
If you’re craving something deeper and more mysterious, mahogany glow is the way to go.
This gorgeous shade is a fusion of deep brown with rich red tones, catching the light with hints of burgundy and chocolate. It feels sophisticated, polished, and utterly luxurious—almost like finely crafted wood.
It’s the perfect way to channel autumn’s cozy richness without going fully red. With this color, you’ll feel instantly elevated and confident.
3. Auburn Undertones
A 30-year-old woman with auburn undertone pixie cut, back view.
Auburn undertones are like a secret weapon for brunettes.
They don’t overwhelm your hair with red—instead, they offer a subtle coppery warmth that glimmers beautifully under certain lighting.
It’s as if your hair naturally caught the glow of a sunset. This understated shift brings life and vibrance to dark strands, adding richness and movement.
It looks effortless, complements every skin tone, and even gives your complexion a rosy, radiant boost.
4. Cinnamon Swirl
A 29-year-old woman with cinnamon swirl shoulder-length curls, back view.
Cinnamon swirl is exactly as delightful as it sounds—warm, spicy ribbons mixed into brunette hair.
Think of your favorite cinnamon pastry, but woven into your strands. These highlights combine reddish-gold with warm brown, creating a dimensional, dynamic effect.
This shade infuses warmth and energy into your hair, leaving it full of life. It’s the ultimate cozy fall look, almost like wrapping your style in a cinnamon latte.
5. Rich Espresso
A 35-year-old woman with rich espresso sleek straight hair, back view.
Sometimes, going darker is the boldest move of all.
Rich espresso is a deep, sultry brown free from red or gold undertones. It’s pure, elegant darkness with a glossy finish.
This sophisticated shade gives your hair a healthy, polished glow while exuding mystery and allure. It’s the perfect choice if you want a dramatic yet timeless upgrade.
With rich espresso, you’ll radiate the chic energy of a classic femme fatale.
6. Chocolate Cherry
A 24-year-old woman with chocolate cherry long, wavy hair, back view.
Chocolate cherry is a decadent blend of dark brown and rich red tones.
Think of it as your favorite dessert, but styled into your hair. It’s vibrant without being over the top, catching the light with subtle red glimmers.
This choice brings a playful twist to brunette hair while still keeping it classy. It leaves your strands looking irresistibly rich, like a smooth bite of dark chocolate.
7. Bronze Balayage
A 31-year-old woman with bronze balayage messy bun, back view.
Bronze balayage unleashes your inner goddess.
These metallic highlights shimmer with golden and copper undertones, creating a glowing, radiant effect.
Forget brassy streaks—this is chic, modern, and utterly sophisticated. It keeps your hair looking sunlit and lively, even on cloudy fall days.
Perfect for a touch of glamour, bronze balayage makes you look effortlessly polished and radiant.
8. Copper Kissed Brown
A 33-year-old woman with copper kissed brown textured cut, back view.
Copper kissed brown feels like autumn itself gently brushed across your strands.
This soft copper infusion blends seamlessly with brunette tones, creating a natural warmth.
It’s not overpowering—just a subtle, welcoming glow that makes hair look lively and rich.
This shade is ideal for brunettes wanting to add personality without making a bold statement.
9. Deep Burgundy
A 26-year-old woman with deep burgundy sleek ponytail, back view.
Deep burgundy is the bold, mysterious sister of chocolate cherry.
This dramatic color mixes red with purple undertones, offering a striking and confident vibe. It’s powerful, seductive, and full of character.
It suits every skin tone and immediately elevates your look with intrigue and sophistication.
If you want to command attention this fall, deep burgundy is your shade.
10. Sandy Brown Lowlights
A 34-year-old woman with sandy brown lowlights bob, back view.
Highlights brighten—but lowlights add depth.
Sandy brown lowlights weave cool-toned streaks into brunette hair, creating natural-looking volume and dimension.
They subtly mimic the sun’s effect on your strands, making them appear fuller and more textured without overwhelming brightness.
This is the perfect pick for brunettes seeking a refined, understated change.
11. Mocha Meltdown
A 20-year-old woman with mocha meltdown beachy waves, back view.
Mocha meltdown is as delicious as it sounds.
This blend of warm browns melts seamlessly from darker roots into slightly lighter tips, giving a natural, sun-kissed gradient.
The effect is relaxed yet refined, making your hair look effortlessly chic and touchably soft.
It’s ideal for brunettes who want a low-maintenance color with an elegant twist.
12. Golden Brown Ombré
A 36-year-old woman with golden brown ombré straight hair, back view.
Golden brown ombré is a timeless fall favorite.
The smooth transition from dark roots to golden-brown ends creates a radiant, sunlit effect.
It brightens your face without requiring constant upkeep, making it one of the most versatile styles.
As it grows out, it continues to look graceful, saving you time and trips to the salon.
13. Violet Hues
A photo of a 22-year-old woman with a Violet Hues (deep brown with subtle plum undertones) short, choppy haircut, back view.
Violet tones on brunettes are unexpectedly striking.
Picture a rich, dark brown infused with faint hints of plum or eggplant that catch the light beautifully.
It’s not an obvious purple, but it brings a daring, edgy twist to your style.
This shade is perfect if you’re aiming for something unique and intriguing, giving your hair a magnetic allure.
It’s a refined way to experiment with color while keeping things elegant and understated.
14. Mushroom Brown
A photo of a 21-year-old woman with Mushroom Brown colored, long, layered hair, back view.
Mushroom brown has become the ultimate cool-girl brunette shade.
This muted, ash-toned brown carries no red or golden undertones.
Think of the earthy richness of an actual mushroom—that’s the kind of chic, grounded vibe this color delivers.
It’s contemporary, stylish, and especially flattering for cooler skin tones.
The color gives your hair a polished, healthy shine while adding a sophisticated touch.
With this shade, you’ll look effortlessly fashionable.
15. Rose Gold Highlights
A photo of a 23-year-old woman with Rose Gold Highlights (a blend of pink and gold woven through brunette hair) styled in a wavy lob, back view.
Rose gold highlights are flirty and romantic.
They weave delicate pink and golden hues into brunette locks for a soft, whimsical effect.
This subtle burst of color reflects light beautifully, creating a dreamy charm.
It’s ideal if you want to play with something lively and distinctive without committing to a full-color change.
Surprisingly versatile, this look adds personality and charm to your fall style.
16. Cool Brown Balayage
A photo of a 38-year-old woman with Cool Brown Balayage, long, straight hair, back view.
Cool brown balayage delivers a sleek, polished vibe.
Unlike warm tones, cool browns lack red or gold, leaning instead toward smoky, ash-inspired shades.
The result is dimension without warmth, creating a chic and modern finish.
It’s perfect if you prefer cooler tones and want to steer clear of brassiness.
Your hair ends up looking fresh, radiant, and sophisticated—like the ultimate ice queen, in the best sense.
17. Scarlet Ribbons
A photo of a 37-year-old woman with Scarlet Ribbons (bold red streaks woven through deep brunette hair) in a long, half-up hairstyle, back view.
Scarlet ribbons are made for bold brunettes who love standing out.
Picture striking, fiery red streaks intertwined with your darker strands, almost like ribbons flowing through your hair.
This daring choice exudes confidence and energy.
It adds vibrancy, passion, and undeniable flair to your style.
Not for the timid, this bold look guarantees attention everywhere you go.
18. Ash Brown Ombré
A photo of a 28-year-old woman with Ash Brown Ombré, long, wavy hair, back view.
Ash brown ombré is a dream for lovers of cool tones.
It fades gracefully from a deep brunette base into a lighter, ash-toned brown toward the ends.
The result is a modern, stylish look full of depth and dimension, with none of the warmth.
This option is perfect for a subtle yet striking style.
It’s low-maintenance and effortlessly elegant, making it a timeless choice.
19. Spiced Plum
A photo of a 29-year-old woman with Spiced Plum colored curly bob, back view.
Spiced plum blends rich purple with warm undertones of brown and red.
It’s an elegant yet bold way to embrace a nontraditional fall-inspired shade.
This color enriches brunette hair, giving it a luxe, captivating depth.
Perfect for those who want something distinctive without going too extreme, it’s both stylish and unique.
A flawless marriage of seasonal warmth and originality.
20. Caramelized Ends
A photo of a 30-year-old woman with Caramelized Ends, long, straight hair, back view.
Caramelized ends are like drizzling a touch of sweetness on your hair.
Soft, warm caramel tones are added to the tips, creating a natural, sunlit glow.
It’s a subtle lightening technique that’s low-maintenance and commitment-free.
This style brightens up your overall look, especially around the face, adding a youthful, refreshed energy—even on gray autumn days.
21. Golden Hour Glaze
A photo of a 32-year-old woman with warm brown hair and a golden sheen, styled in long, beachy waves, back view.
Golden hour glaze captures the beauty of sunset and translates it into hair color.
It’s a soft, all-over warm brown kissed with a golden shine.
This shade amplifies the richness of brunette hair, leaving it luminous and healthy-looking.
If you’re after a gentle glow rather than a dramatic shift, this option brings light and warmth that feels natural and radiant.
22. Hazelnut Highlights
A photo of a 33-year-old woman with Hazelnut Highlights, medium-length bob, back view.
Hazelnut highlights strike the perfect balance between warm and cool tones, offering a multidimensional, refined look.
These subtle streaks add depth without being overly bright or dark.
The result mimics the natural lightening effect of the sun.
They softly frame the face, enhancing your features with elegance and grace.
A timeless, understated way to elevate brunette hair.